Strategies For Treating Pericarditis

Pericardiocentesis

Pericardiocentesis is an emergency intervention used to treat cardiac tamponade, one of the possible complications of pericarditis. Cardiac tamponade develops when an excessive amount of fluid accumulates within the pericardium, and a pericardiocentesis drains the excess fluid. Doctors may use ultrasounds and echocardiograms to monitor the heart during the procedure. After numbing the skin near the breastbone with a local anesthetic, the doctor will insert a needle into the pericardium. While inserting the needle, the clinician will use live imaging to ensure the needle reaches the correct location. Next, the needle will be withdrawn and replaced with a catheter, which will be attached to a bag outside the body, and fluid from the pericardium will drain into the bag. The drainage may continue for several days, and patients will be closely monitored during this time. Occasionally, it may not be possible for the doctor to drain enough fluid from the pericardium with this technique. If this happens, a pericardial window may be performed instead. This involves making a small incision in the pericardium, and the fluid drains into the chest cavity.

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